New programme to help small US poultry processors

The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)
has announced a new programme office to reach out to small and very small
poultry plants to educate them and help them comply with food safety rules.

The Office of Outreach, Employee Education and Training (OOEET) will
provide consolidated access, resources and technical support for small and very
small plants to better assist them in providing safe meat, poultry and processed
egg products.

Additionally, the programme will ensure that all FSIS personnel have the
necessary training to effectively carry out their assigned duties. OOEET will
collaborate with state inspection programmes to share training materials,
provide technical advice and conduct outreach activities.

"Ensuring the safety of the nation's food supply makes good public health
sense as well as good business sense," said Under Secretary for Food Safety Dr
Richard Raymond. "Owners and operators of every plant size need resources and
tools for food safety success, so continued education through a rigorous
outreach programme is a critical long-term agency priority."

The aims of the OOEET include: â€¢ More rapid and consistent
delivery of key services to serve better the needs of small and very small
plantsâ€¢ One-stop access to information and technical
assistanceâ€¢ Continuing publication and assessment of guidance and
information to ensure consistent application of public health regulatory
policiesâ€¢ Enhanced relationships with our public health
partnersâ€¢ Continuing evaluation of the effectiveness of FSIS programs
focused on small and very small plantsâ€¢ Improved collaboration with
other USDA agencies on the needs of small and very small plants.